JP2011016113A - Moisture collector and fuel filter equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a moisture collector equipped with a moisture collecting filter element, a moisture collector that can suppress deterioration of moisture collecting capability without increasing the size of the moisture collecting filter element while prolonging a service life of the filter element.SOLUTION: The moisture collector 1 includes: a moisture collecting filter element 10 which is composed of an aggregate of hydrophilic fiber, collecting water particles in fuel and which has an average hole diameter allowing solid foreign matters in the fuel to go through; and forming members 25 (251-253) which are arranged inside the moisture collecting filter element 10, forming a passage 11 for the fuel to pass through in the element 10. Intercepting the flow of the fuel that connects with a straight line between a flow-in part 12 for the fuel flowing in the passage 11 in the moisture collecting filter element 10 and a flow-out part 13 for the fuel flowing out of the passage 11 in the element 10, the forming members 25 (251-253) form the passage 11 as the one longer than the distance of the straight line.

Description

  The present invention relates to a moisture collector that collects water particles contained in fuel, and a fuel filtration device including the same.

  Conventionally, a fuel filtration device described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 is known. These fuel filtration devices include a moisture collecting filter element that collects minute water particles mixed in the fuel, in addition to a foreign matter collecting filter element that collects minute solid foreign substances in the fuel. When the fuel passes through the moisture collection filter element, water particles therein are captured by the moisture collection filter element and are aggregated in the moisture collection filter element to grow into water droplets. The grown water droplets are settled and stored in the water storage space on the bottom side in the case of the fuel filtering device, and are appropriately taken out from the drain passage.

  The moisture collection filter element is disposed upstream of the foreign matter collection filter element in the fuel flow direction. This is because the foreign matter collecting filter element collects water particles in the fuel and causes clogging to prevent the solid foreign matter collecting ability of the foreign matter collecting filter element from being lowered.

  Furthermore, in the fuel filtration device described in Patent Document 2, the moisture collection filter element is formed so as not to collect solid foreign matters in the fuel, whereby the moisture collection filter element removes solid foreign matters in the fuel. The collection and shortening of life is suppressed. Further, it is disclosed that the moisture collecting filter element is made of wool having hydrophilicity.

JP 2005-147087 A JP 2006-521497 A

  In Patent Document 2, in order to extend the life of the moisture collection filter element, the moisture collection filter element is not allowed to collect solid foreign matters in the fuel. It is possible to pass. For this reason, water particles in the fuel also easily pass through the moisture collection filter element, but the hydrophilic moisture collection filter element has a hydrophilic property, and the water particles in contact with the fibers of the moisture collection filter element It can be attracted and collected so as not to leave the fiber.

  Therefore, if the flow path through which the fuel passes through the moisture collection filter element is lengthened, the probability that the water particles come into contact with the fibers of the moisture collection filter element increases. The decrease can be suppressed. In other words, in order to extend the life of the moisture collection filter element, even if solid foreign substances in the fuel can pass through the moisture collection filter element, if the flow path of the moisture collection filter element is lengthened, the moisture collection filter element It is possible to suppress a decrease in the water collection ability due to.

  Therefore, if the moisture collection filter element is enlarged, the flow path of the moisture collection filter element can be lengthened, so that it is possible to suppress the decrease in the moisture collection capability while extending the life of the moisture collection filter. However, in the case where the arrangement space of the fuel filtration device is restricted, such as an in-vehicle fuel filtration device, the moisture collection filter element cannot be made large. It is difficult to suppress the decrease.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and includes a moisture collection filter element that can suppress a decrease in moisture collection capability while extending the life without increasing the moisture collection filter element. It is an object of the present invention to provide a moisture collector and a fuel filtration device provided with the moisture collector.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the moisture collecting filter element is composed of a hydrophilic fiber aggregate and collects water particles in the fuel, and the average pore diameter through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass is provided. A moisture collecting filter element, and a forming member disposed in the moisture collecting filter element and forming a flow path through which fuel passes in the moisture collecting filter element, the forming member being a moisture collecting filter element In this case, the flow of fuel connecting the inflow portion where the fuel flows into the flow path and the outflow portion where the fuel flows out of the flow path in the moisture collection filter element is blocked by a straight line, and the flow path is longer than the straight distance. It is formed as a road.

  According to this configuration, since the moisture collection filter element has an average pore diameter through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass, the moisture collection filter element can be prevented from collecting solid foreign matters. For this reason, it can suppress that a moisture collection filter element collects the solid foreign material in a fuel, and shortens a lifetime, For this reason, a moisture collection filter element can be prolonged.

  Furthermore, according to this configuration, in the moisture collection filter element, the flow of the fuel that connects the inflow portion and the outflow portion with a straight line is blocked, and the flow path is formed as a flow path that is longer than the straight distance. The flow path can be lengthened without enlarging the moisture collecting filter element. For this reason, the probability that water particles will contact the fiber of a moisture collection filter element can be increased, without enlarging a moisture collection filter element. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the moisture collection filter element is made of an assembly of fibers having hydrophilicity, the moisture collection filter element keeps water particles in contact with the fibers from leaving the fibers. It can be attracted and collected reliably.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a moisture collector including a moisture collection filter element that can suppress a decrease in moisture collection capability while extending the life without increasing the moisture collection filter element.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the forming member is characterized in that the plurality of flow paths are formed such that the lengths of the plurality of flow paths are equal to each other.

  Here, since the fuel flows through the flow path that minimizes the pressure loss in the moisture collection filter element, the fuel flows through the shortest flow path that minimizes the pressure loss. According to this configuration, since the lengths of the plurality of flow paths are equal to each other, the fuel flows evenly in the plurality of flow paths. Can be used evenly. For this reason, it is possible to effectively increase the collection of water particles, and to suppress a part of the moisture collection filter element from being excessively used to collect the solid foreign matters in the fuel and shortening the life. be able to. As a result, without reducing the moisture collection filter element, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in moisture collection capability while extending the life.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, the forming member is characterized in that the flow path is formed as a folded flow path in which the fuel flow changes in the opposite direction at least once.

  According to this configuration, since the channel has a folded shape, the channel can be made longer without increasing the moisture collection filter element. For this reason, without reducing the moisture collection filter element, it is possible to further suppress the decrease in the moisture collection capability while extending the life.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the moisture collection filter element is formed by dividing the fuel collecting filter element into the first element and the second element at the folded portion where the flow of the fuel changes in the opposite direction. It is characterized by being interposed between the element and the second element.

  According to this configuration, the moisture collection filter element is divided into the first element and the second element at the folded portion, and the forming member is interposed between the first element and the second element. For this reason, the folded flow path can be formed by a simple operation of stacking the first element, the forming member, and the second element in this order. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water collection capability while extending the life without a large water collection filter element by a simple operation of stacking.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the forming member forms the flow path as a curved flow path.

  According to this configuration, since the flow path is curved, the flow path can be lengthened without increasing the moisture collection filter element. For this reason, without reducing the moisture collection filter element, it is possible to suppress a decrease in moisture collection capability while extending the life.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the moisture collection filter element has a cylindrical shape, and the inflow portion is provided on one of the outer peripheral side surface of the moisture collection filter element and the central axis side of the moisture collection filter element. The outflow portion is provided on the other of the outer peripheral side surface and the central axis side.

  According to this configuration, the inflow portion is provided on one of the outer peripheral side surface of the cylindrical moisture collection filter element and the central axis side of the moisture collection filter element, and the outflow portion is provided on the other side of the outer peripheral side surface and the central axis side. Therefore, it is easy to provide a plurality of flow paths with the same length. For this reason, without complicating the structure, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in moisture collection ability while extending the life.

  According to invention of Claim 7, a fuel filtration apparatus is provided in the downstream of a moisture collector in the flow direction of a fuel with the moisture collector as described in any one of Claims 1-6. And a foreign matter collecting filter element for collecting solid foreign matters in the fuel.

  According to this configuration, the moisture collection filter element is disposed upstream of the foreign matter collection filter element in the fuel flow direction. For this reason, since it can prevent that a foreign material collection filter element collects the water particle | grains in a fuel and causes clogging, it can prevent that the solid foreign material collection capability of a foreign material collection filter element falls. In this way, in the fuel filtration device that can prevent the solid foreign matter collecting ability of the foreign matter collecting filter element from being lowered, without reducing the moisture collecting filter element, it is possible to suppress the decline in the moisture collecting ability while extending the life. Can do.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, the moisture collector is arranged below the foreign matter collecting filter element in the direction of gravity.

  According to this configuration, since the moisture collector is disposed below the foreign matter collecting filter element in the direction of gravity, water droplets flowing out from the moisture collecting filter element that has collected water particles are collected by the foreign matter. It is not collected by the collecting filter element. For this reason, since it can prevent that a foreign material collection filter element collects the water droplet from a water collection filter element and causes clogging, it can prevent that the solid foreign material collection capability of a foreign material collection filter element falls. . In this way, in the fuel filtration device that can prevent the solid foreign matter collecting ability of the foreign matter collecting filter element from being lowered, without reducing the moisture collecting filter element, it is possible to suppress the decline in the moisture collecting ability while extending the life. Can do.

It is typical sectional drawing which shows the fuel filtration apparatus with which the water | moisture-content collector by 1st Embodiment of this invention was applied. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the water | moisture-content collector by 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the moisture collector shown in FIG. 2. It is a top view of the container part shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the effect | action of the moisture collection filter element shown in FIG. It is a 1st experiment figure which shows the effect of the moisture collection filter element in FIG. It is a 2nd experiment figure which shows the effect of the moisture collection filter element in FIG. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the moisture collector by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded view of the moisture collector shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the moisture collector by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the XI-XI sectional view enlarged view in FIG. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the moisture collector by 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the moisture collector by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the XV-XV sectional view enlarged view in FIG. It is a cross-sectional enlarged view of the water | moisture-content collector by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is the XVII-XVII line sectional enlarged view in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the mutually same or equivalent part in a figure.

(Constitution)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fuel filtration device 100 to which a moisture collector 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The fuel filtration device 100 is used in a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, and is installed on the upstream side of a fuel flow with respect to a fuel injection pump that pumps fuel to the internal combustion engine side, and filters the fuel in the fuel tank to filter the fuel injection pump. Inhale.

  The fuel filtration device 100 includes a moisture collector 1 having a moisture collection filter element 10 that collects water particles mixed in the fuel, a foreign matter collection filter element 6 that collects solid foreign matters mixed in the fuel, A case 3 and a cover 4 are provided.

  The case 3 is formed of a metal or resin in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is installed in the vehicle in a form in which the axial direction substantially coincides with the vertical direction. A cock (not shown) is installed at the bottom 31 of the case 3 so that water accumulated in the water storage space 32 can be discharged to the outside of the case 3. The cover 4 is formed in the shape of an annular plate from metal or resin, and the outer peripheral edge portion of the cover 4 is fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral side of the opening edge portion of the case 3. The cover 4 has an opening 41 on the inner peripheral edge, and has a plurality of openings 42 on the outer peripheral side of the opening 41. A pipe connected to the fuel tank is connected to the opening 41, and the fuel in the fuel tank flows. Each of the plurality of openings 42 is connected to a pipe connected to the fuel injection pump, and allows the fuel to flow out toward the fuel injection pump.

  The foreign matter collecting filter element 6 is a filter that is provided on the downstream side of the moisture collector 1 in the fuel flow direction and collects a known solid foreign matter, such as a honeycomb type filter, and is a filter medium such as a fiber. It is configured. A passage space 51 is formed at the center of the foreign matter collecting filter element 6, and is separated from the foreign matter collecting filter element 6 by the cylindrical portion 5.

  The cylindrical portion 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape with resin or the like, and is accommodated coaxially in the case 3. One end of the cylindrical portion 5 is fitted to the opening 41 side of the cover 4 via a seal member, and the other end of the cylindrical portion 5 is fixed to the container 20 by fitting or welding. The inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 5 functions as a passage space 51 that guides the fuel that has flowed into the opening 41 to the moisture collecting filter element 10 side. The fuel filtration device 100 causes the fuel to flow in the order of the opening 41, the passage space 51, the moisture collection filter element 10, the foreign matter collection filter element 6, and the opening 42 along the arrows F1 to F3. It is configured.

  The basic configuration of the fuel filtration device 100 has been described above. Hereinafter, the characteristic structure of the moisture collector 1 is demonstrated based on FIGS.

(Characteristic configuration)
The moisture collector 1 is provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter collecting filter element 6 in the fuel flow direction, and is disposed below the foreign matter collecting filter element 6 in the gravitational direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1). Has been. The moisture collector 1 includes a cylindrical moisture collection filter element 10 and a forming member 25, and the moisture collection filter element 10 and the formation member 25 are accommodated in a cylindrical container 20. The container 20 includes a bottomed cylindrical container portion 21 formed of resin or the like, and a disc-shaped lid portion 22 formed of resin or the like and provided with an opening 221 in the center.

  In FIG. 2, the forming member 25 is a rod-shaped first forming member 251, a disk-shaped second forming member 252 having an opening through which the first forming member 251 is inserted, and a first forming member 251. It consists of the disk-shaped 3rd formation member 253 formed in the center by the recessed part in which the front-end | tip is fitted. As shown in FIG. 3, only the first forming member 251 is formed integrally with the container portion 21, and the second forming member 252 and the third forming member 253 are formed separately from the container portion 21.

  The first forming member 251 is provided at the center of the disc-shaped bottom portion of the container portion 21 and perpendicular to the disc-shaped bottom portion. The second forming member 252 is arranged such that the outer peripheral side surface of the second forming member 252 is in close contact with the inner peripheral side surface of the container portion 21 and the first forming member 251 is inserted through the opening of the second forming member 252. Placed in. The third formation member 253 is a first formation in which a gap is formed between the outer peripheral side surface of the third formation member 253 and the inner peripheral side surface of the container portion 21 and the opening of the second formation member 252 is inserted. It arrange | positions so that the front-end | tip of the member 251 may be engage | inserted by the recessed part of the 3rd formation member 253. FIG.

  In FIG. 2, four flow paths 11 through which fuel passes through the moisture collection filter element 10 are formed in the moisture collection filter element 10 in the container 20. An inflow portion 12 through which fuel flows into the flow path 11 is provided on the central axis side of the moisture collection filter element 10. In the moisture collecting filter element 10, the inflow portion 12 is a single inflow portion 12 having a cylindrical side shape. An outflow portion 13 through which fuel flows out from the flow path 11 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface 15 of the moisture collection filter element 10. In the moisture collection filter element 10, the outflow portions 13 are four outflow portions 13 partitioned by the four support portions 211 shown in FIG. 4.

  On the central axis side of the container portion 21, an inlet 26 is provided as a gap between the lid portion 22 and the third forming member 253 at the position of the inflow portion 12. The inlet 26 is a single annular inlet 26. On the outer peripheral side surface 28, four outlets 27 partitioned by four support portions 211 are provided at the position of the outflow portion 13, as shown in FIG.

  Each of the four flow paths 11 is a folded flow path in which the flow of fuel changes in the opposite direction in the radial direction of the case 3 from one inflow portion 12 to four outflow portions 13. In the axial direction (substantially vertical direction, the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 2), the folded channel is a folded channel in which this folding is repeated twice. The forming member 25 is provided in the container 20 and is disposed in the moisture collecting filter element 10 to form the four flow paths 11 as the flow paths 11 having a shape that folds twice. In other words, the forming member 25 blocks the flow of the fuel with the shortest distance connecting the inflow portion 12 and the outflow portion 13 (the flow of fuel connecting the inflow portion 12 and the outflow portion 13 with a straight line) and shortens the flow path 11 to the shortest. It can be said that the flow path 11 is longer than the distance (straight line distance). These four flow paths 11 are provided in the moisture collection filter element 10 such that the lengths of the flow paths 11 are equal to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the moisture collecting filter element 10 includes a disc-shaped first filter element 101 having a through-hole 1011 formed therein, and a disc-shaped second filter having a through-hole 1021 and a convex portion 1022 formed in the center. It comprises an element 102 and a ring-shaped third filter element 103 in which a recess 1031 is formed. The through holes 1011 and 1021 are through holes through which the first forming member 251 is inserted, the convex portion 1022 is a convex portion that fits into the opening of the second forming member 252, and the concave portion 1031 is the third formation. This is a recess for fitting the member 253. An outer peripheral side surface of the first filter element 101 is an outflow portion 13, and an inner peripheral side surface of the third filter element 103 is an inflow portion 12.

  The second forming member 252 is interposed between the first filter element 101 and the second filter element 102, and the third forming member 253 is interposed between the second filter element 102 and the third filter element 103. Yes. That is, the moisture collection filter element 10 includes a folded portion where the flow of the fuel changes in the opposite direction and is divided into the first filter element 101 and the second filter element 102 at a plane between the flows in the opposite directions. In addition, the second filter element 102 and the third filter element 103 are divided at the plane between the flow in the opposite directions, including the folded portion where the fuel flow changes in the opposite direction.

  Further, the second forming member 252 is inserted so that the outer peripheral side surface of the second forming member 252 is in close contact with the inner peripheral side surface of the container portion 21 and the opening of the second forming member 252 is inserted. And arranged so as to be interposed between the first filter element 101 and the second filter element 102. The third formation member 253 is a first formation in which a gap is formed between the outer peripheral side surface of the third formation member 253 and the inner peripheral side surface of the container portion 21 and the opening of the second formation member 252 is inserted. The tip of the member 251 is disposed so as to be fitted in the recess of the third forming member 253 and interposed between the second filter element 102 and the third filter element 103.

  A gap between the inner peripheral side surface of the opening of the second forming member 252 and the outer peripheral side surface of the first forming member 251, and a gap between the outer peripheral side surface of the third forming member 253 and the inner peripheral side surface of the container portion 21, Each is a folded portion.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the moisture collector 1 includes a first filter element 101, a second forming member 252, a second filter element 102, a third forming member 253, and a third filter element in the container portion 21. After the 103 are stacked in this order, the lid portion 22 is fixed to the container portion 21 by fitting or welding, and the lid is closed. The first filter element 101 is fitted into the container portion 21 so that the first forming member 251 is inserted into the through hole 1011, and the second filter element 102 is inserted into the through hole 1021. Thus, the convex portion 1022 is fitted into the container portion 21 so as to be fitted into the opening of the second forming member 252. The third filter element 103 is fitted into the container portion 21 so that the third forming member 253 is fitted into the recess 1031.

  Therefore, the four flow paths 11 can be formed in the moisture collecting filter element 10 by a simple operation of stacking the filter elements 101 to 103 and the forming members 252 and 253.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the moisture collection filter element 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the flow path 11 formed in the moisture collection filter element 10 is represented by a schematic straight line. It is shown as an enlarged view of the shape. The moisture collecting filter element 10 is formed as an aggregate of hydrophilic fibers 14 and collects water particles in the fuel. For example, the moisture collecting filter element 10 has hydrophilic properties such as rayon, nylon, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). It consists of a nonwoven fabric composed of fibers.

  The non-woven fabric is a fabric made by entanglement of fibers without weaving, and the moisture collecting filter element 10 is formed by entanglement of hydrophilic fibers 14 having an average fiber diameter of about 20 μm (micrometer). ing. The average value of the gaps between the fibers 14 is the average pore diameter D, and the average pore diameter D is set so that solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass through.

  Since the moisture collection filter element 10 has an average pore diameter D through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass through the moisture collection filter element 10, water particles are also fibers having an average pore diameter D in the moisture collection filter element 10. It is easy to pass through the gap between 14. However, if the length L of the flow path 11 is increased, the probability that water particles in the fuel come into contact with the fibers 14 of the moisture collection filter element 10 while the fuel flows through the moisture collection filter element 10 increases. Since the moisture collection filter element 10 is formed as an aggregate of hydrophilic fibers 14, the moisture collection filter element 10 keeps water particles in contact with the fibers 14 from leaving the fibers 14. It can be attracted and collected reliably.

  The collected water particles are combined with other collected water particles in the process of traveling along the fibers 14 toward the outflow portion 13 and grow into water droplets having a diameter of about 2 to 3 mm. The water droplets flowing out from the outflow portion 13 and the outlet 27 are settled in the water storage space 32 in the case 3 due to the specific gravity difference with the fuel. Thereby, water particles are separated from the fuel.

  On the other hand, since the moisture collection filter element 10 has an average pore diameter D through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass through the moisture collection filter element 10, the moisture collection filter element 10 collects the solid foreign matters. Can be suppressed. Here, if the length L of the flow path 11 is increased, the probability that the solid foreign matter in the fuel contacts the fibers 14 of the moisture collection filter element 10 while the fuel flows through the moisture collection filter element 10 also increases. . However, since the moisture collecting filter element 10 cannot attract the solid foreign matter that has contacted the fiber 14 so as not to leave the fiber 14, the moisture collecting filter element 10 is flowed by the fuel flowing through the moisture collecting filter element 10, and the outflow portion 13. And flow out of the outlet 27. For this reason, it can suppress that the moisture collection filter element 10 collects a solid foreign material.

  Thus, by increasing the average pore diameter D, the moisture collection filter element 10 is prevented from collecting solid foreign matters, and by increasing the length L of the flow path 11, the moisture collection filter element 10 is Allow the particles to be collected. Moreover, even if the length L of the flow path 11 is increased, it is possible to suppress the moisture collection filter element 10 from collecting solid foreign matters.

  These are shown in the first experimental diagram shown in FIG. 6 and the second experimental diagram shown in FIG. In the first experimental diagram shown in FIG. 6, the length L of the flow path 11 of the moisture collection filter element 10 is 1 cm, the average pore diameter D is a parameter (50 to 125 μm), and the water collection performance (% (percent)). And solid foreign matter collection performance (%) on the vertical axis. As apparent from FIG. 6, when the average pore diameter D is increased, both the water collection performance (%) and the solid foreign matter collection performance (%) are lowered. When the average pore diameter D is 100 μm, the solid foreign matter collecting performance (%) is reduced to about 0%, whereas the water collecting performance (%) is 50%. Since the element 10 is formed as an aggregate of hydrophilic fibers 14, the moisture collection filter element 10 reliably attracts water particles that have come into contact with the fibers 14 so as not to leave the fibers 14. Because it can be collected.

  In the second experimental diagram shown in FIG. 7, the average pore diameter D of the water collection filter element 10 is 100 μm, the length L of the flow path 11 is a parameter (0.6 to 2 cm), and the water collection performance (%) The solid foreign substance collection performance (%) is taken on the vertical axis. As is apparent from FIG. 7, when the length L of the flow path 11 is increased, the water collection performance (%) increases, but the solid foreign matter collection performance (%) does not increase. This is because the water collecting filter element 10 can reliably collect the water particles in contact with the fibers 14 so as not to leave the fibers 14, but the solid foreign matter in contact with the fibers 14 can be collected by the fibers. This is because it cannot be attracted so as not to be separated from 14. That is, even if the solid foreign matter comes into contact with the fiber 14, the fuel flows away from the fiber 14 by the fuel flowing through the moisture collecting filter element 10, and flows out from the outflow portion 13 and the outlet 27 along the fuel flow. Because it ends up.

  Thus, by increasing the average pore diameter D, the moisture collection filter element 10 is prevented from collecting solid foreign matters, and by increasing the length L of the flow path 11, the moisture collection filter element 10 is Water particles can be collected. The length L of the flow path 11 necessary for collecting the water particles is ensured by making the flow path 11 twice by the forming member 25 without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10.

  For example, when the particle diameter of the solid foreign matter is several tens of μm (micrometer), the average pore diameter D is set to 100 μm. When the particle size of the water particles is several tens of μm (micrometer), the average pore diameter D is set to 100 μm larger than the particle size of the water particles, and the length L of the flow path 11 is 25 cm (centimeter). Set to.

  In FIG. 2, the shortest straight line distance from the inflow portion 12 to the outer peripheral side surface 15 is 10 cm, but by making the flow path 11 bend twice by the forming member 25, the length L is 25 cm and the straight line distance is more than 10 cm. It is long. That is, the length L of the flow path 11 can be secured without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10.

  The first filter element 101 corresponds to the first element recited in the claims, and the third filter element 103 corresponds to the second element. The second filter element 102 corresponds to the second element in relation to the first filter element 101, and corresponds to the first element in relation to the third filter element 103.

(Function and effect)
Next, the operation and effect of the moisture collector 1 of the present embodiment and the fuel filtering device 100 including the same will be described.

  In the moisture collector 1 according to the present embodiment, the moisture collection filter element 10 has an average pore diameter D through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass through the moisture collection filter element 10. It can suppress that 10 collects solid foreign materials. For this reason, it can suppress that the moisture collection filter element 10 collects the solid foreign material in a fuel, and shortens a lifetime, For this reason, the moisture collection filter element 10 can be extended.

  Furthermore, in the moisture collection filter element 10, the flow of the fuel that connects the inflow portion 12 and the outflow portion 13 with a straight line is blocked, and the flow path 11 is formed as a flow path 11 longer than the straight distance. The flow path 11 can be lengthened without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10. For this reason, the probability that water particles contact the fiber 14 of the moisture collection filter element 10 can be increased. Furthermore, since the moisture collection filter element 10 is made of an aggregate of fibers 14 having hydrophilicity, the moisture collection filter element 10 attracts water particles in contact with the fibers 14 so as not to leave the fibers 14. Can be collected reliably.

  As a result, it is possible to provide the moisture collector 1 including the moisture collection filter element 10 that can suppress the decrease in the moisture collection capability while extending the life without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10.

  Here, since the fuel flows through the flow path that minimizes the pressure loss in the moisture collection filter element 10, the fuel flows through the shortest flow path that minimizes the pressure loss. In the moisture collector 1 according to the present embodiment, since the lengths of the four flow paths 11 are equal to each other, the fuel flows evenly in the four flow paths. In the collecting filter element 10, the four flow paths 11 can be used evenly. For this reason, it is possible to effectively increase the collection of water particles, and to suppress a part of the moisture collection filter element 10 from being excessively used to collect solid foreign matters in the fuel and shortening the life. be able to. As a result, without reducing the moisture collection filter element 10, it is possible to further suppress the decrease in the moisture collection capability while extending the life.

  Further, since the channel 11 has a folded shape, the channel 11 can be made longer without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10. For this reason, without reducing the moisture collection filter element 10, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in moisture collection ability while extending the life.

  The moisture collection filter element 10 is a folded portion where the flow of fuel changes in the opposite direction, and is divided into a first filter element 101 and a second filter element 102, and a second filter element 102 and a third filter element 103. Is formed. Further, the second forming member 252 is interposed between the first filter element 101 and the second filter element 102, and the third forming member 253 is interposed between the second filter element 102 and the third filter element 103. Yes. Therefore, the folded flow path 11 can be obtained by a simple operation of stacking the first filter element 101, the second forming member 252, the second filter element 102, the third forming member 253, and the third filter element 103 in this order. Can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the water collecting ability while extending the life without making the water collecting filter element 10 large by a simple operation of stacking.

  In addition, since the inflow portion 12 is provided on the central axis side of the cylindrical moisture collecting filter element 10 and the outflow portion 13 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface 15 of the moisture collecting filter element 10, the four flow paths 11 are provided. It is easy to provide each length equally. For this reason, without complicating the structure, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in moisture collection ability while extending the life.

  Further, the moisture collection filter element 10 is arranged upstream of the foreign matter collection filter element 6 in the fuel flow direction. For this reason, since it can prevent that the foreign material collection filter element 6 collects the water particle | grains in a fuel and causes clogging, it can prevent that the solid foreign material collection capability of the foreign material collection filter element 6 falls.

  Furthermore, since the moisture collector 1 is disposed below the foreign matter collecting filter element 6 in the direction of gravity, water droplets flowing out from the moisture collecting filter element 10 that has collected water particles are collected by the foreign matter. It is not collected by the filter element 6. For this reason, since it can prevent that the foreign material collection filter element 6 collects the water droplet from the water collection filter element 10 and causes clogging, the solid foreign material collection capability of the foreign material collection filter element 6 falls. Can be prevented. Thus, in the fuel filtration device 100 that can prevent the solid foreign matter collecting ability of the foreign matter collecting filter element 6 from being lowered, the moisture collecting ability is lowered while the life is extended without increasing the moisture collecting filter element 10. Can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the moisture collector 1A includes a moisture collection filter element 10A and a forming member 25A, and the moisture collection filter element 10A and the formation member 25A are formed in a cylindrical container 20A. Is housed in. The container 20 </ b> A includes a bottomed cylindrical container portion 21 </ b> A formed of resin or the like and a lid portion 22 instead of the container portion 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the forming member 25A includes a disk-shaped first forming member 251A having an opening at the center and a disk-shaped second forming member 252A. Thus, both the first and second forming members 251A and 252A are formed separately from the container portion 21A.

  In FIG. 8, four flow paths 11A through which fuel passes through the moisture collection filter element 10A are formed in the moisture collection filter element 10A in the container 20A. An inflow portion 12A through which fuel flows into the flow path 11A is provided on the central axis side of the moisture collecting filter element 10A. The inflow portion 12A is a single inflow portion 12A having a cylindrical side surface shape. On the outer peripheral side surface 15A of the moisture collecting filter element 10A, an outflow portion 13A through which the fuel flows out from the flow path 11A is provided. The outflow portion 13 </ b> A is four outflow portions 13 </ b> A that are partitioned by four support portions (not shown) similar to the support portion 211.

  A gap between the lid portion 22 and the second forming member 252A on the central axis side of the container portion 21A serves as an inlet 26A instead of the inlet 26, and the outlet 27A instead of the outlet 27 is formed on the outer peripheral side surface 28 of the container portion 21A. Is formed. The inlet 26A is a single annular inlet 26A. The outlet 27 </ b> A is four outlets 27 </ b> A that are partitioned by four support parts (not shown) similar to the support part 211.

  Each of the four flow paths 11A is a folded flow path in which the flow of fuel changes in the opposite direction in the radial direction of the case 3 from one inflow portion 12A to four outflow portions 13A. In this axial direction (substantially vertical direction, up and down direction in FIG. 8), this folded-back flow path is repeated twice. The forming member 25A is provided in the container 20A and is disposed in the moisture collecting filter element 10A, and each of the four flow paths 11A is formed as a flow path 11A that is folded twice in a shape different from the flow path 11. ing. In other words, the forming member 25A blocks the flow of the fuel at the shortest distance connecting the inflow portion 12A and the outflow portion 13A (the flow of fuel connecting the inflow portion 12A and the outflow portion 13A with a straight line) and shortens the flow path 11A. It can be said that the flow path 11A is longer than the distance (straight line distance). These four flow paths 11A are provided in the moisture collection filter element 10A so that the lengths of the flow paths 11A are equal to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the moisture collection filter element 10 </ b> A is composed of annular first to third filter elements 101 </ b> A to 103 </ b> A having an opening at the center, and flows out from the outer peripheral side surface of the first filter element 101 </ b> A. The inner side surface of the third filter element 103A is an inflow portion 12A.

  The first forming member 251A is interposed between the first filter element 101A and the second filter element 102A, and the second forming member 252A is interposed between the second filter element 102A and the third filter element 103A. That is, the moisture collection filter element 10A is divided into the first filter element 101A and the second filter element 102A at the folded portion where the fuel flow changes in the opposite direction, and the fuel flow is in the opposite direction. The second filter element 102 </ b> A and the third filter element 103 </ b> A are divided and formed at the changing folded portion.

  In the moisture collector 1A, the first filter element 101A, the first forming member 251A, the second filter element 102A, the second forming member 252A, and the third filter element 103A are stacked in this order in the container portion 21A. After that, the lid portion 22 is fixed to the container portion 21A by fitting or welding, and the lid is formed.

  Therefore, also in the second embodiment, four flow paths 11A can be formed in the moisture collecting filter element 10A by a simple operation of stacking the filter elements 101A to 103A and the forming members 251A and 252A.

  The moisture collection filter element 10A is formed as an aggregate of fibers 14 having hydrophilicity similar to the moisture collection filter element 10, and has an average pore diameter D through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass through the moisture collection filter element 10A. Have. Thus, by increasing the average pore diameter D, the moisture collection filter element 10A is prevented from collecting solid foreign matters, and by increasing the length L of the flow path 11A, the moisture collection filter element 10A is Water particles can be collected. By forming the flow path 11A into a flow path that is folded twice by the forming member 25A, the length L of the flow path 11A is made longer than the linear distance from the inflow portion 12A to the outflow portion 13A. That is, the length L of the flow path 11A necessary for collecting the water particles is ensured without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10A by turning the flow path 11A twice by the forming member 25A. .

  The first filter element 101A corresponds to the first element recited in the claims, and the third filter element 103A corresponds to the second element. The second filter element 102A corresponds to the second element in relation to the first filter element 101A, and corresponds to the first element in relation to the third filter element 103A.

  In the second embodiment, the forming member 25A forming the flow channel 11A is arranged in the moisture collecting filter element 10A as the flow channel 11A having a shape that turns twice from the inflow portion 12A to the outflow portion 13A. For this reason, since it becomes possible to lengthen the length L of the flow path 11A without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10A, the moisture collection filter element 10A can be formed without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10A. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water collecting ability while extending the life.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the moisture collector 1B includes a moisture collection filter element 10B and a forming member 25B, and the moisture collection filter element 10B and the formation member 25B are cylindrical. Of the container 20B. The container 20 </ b> B includes a bottomed cylindrical container part 21 </ b> B formed of resin or the like and a lid part 22 instead of the container part 21.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a cylindrical portion 23B having a cylindrical shape and a forming member 25B instead of the forming member 25 are integrally formed with the container portion 21B. The forming member 25B is a 12-plate member that is provided between the outer peripheral side surface 28 of the container portion 21B and the cylindrical portion 23B and extends in the radial direction. Of the twelve plate-like members, four plate-like members connect the outer peripheral side surface 28 and the cylindrical portion 23B, whereby the moisture collection filter element 10B is partitioned into four sections. In each section, a plate-like member connected only to the outer peripheral side surface 28 and a plate-like member connected only to the cylindrical portion 23B are arranged in the circumferential direction. Thereby, one flow path 11B is formed in each section.

  As described above, the forming member 25B is disposed in the moisture collecting filter element 10B, and the four flow paths 11B are respectively supplied to the four inflows in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (substantially vertical direction) of the case 3. From the portion 12B to the four outflow portions 13B, a flow path 11B having a meandering shape (one type of folded shape) is formed instead of the flow path 11.

  That is, the forming member 25B blocks the flow of the fuel with the shortest distance that connects the inflow portion 12B and the outflow portion 13B (the flow of fuel that connects the inflow portion 12B and the outflow portion 13B with a straight line) and makes the flow path 11B the shortest. It can be said that the flow path 11B is longer than the distance (straight line distance). These four flow paths 11B are provided in the moisture collection filter element 10B so that the lengths of the flow paths 11B are equal to each other. In the cylindrical portion 23B on the central axis side of the container portion 21B, an inlet 26B is provided at the position of the inflow portion 12B, and an outlet 27B is provided at the position of the outflow portion 13B on the outer peripheral side surface 28 of the container portion 21B.

  The inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 23B functions as a passage space 24B that flows into the opening 41 and guides the fuel that has passed through the passage space 51 and the opening 221 to the moisture collecting filter element 10B side.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the moisture collector 1B is filled with the moisture collection filter element 10B so as to fill the space between the forming members 25B in the container portion 21B, and then fitted into the container portion 21B by fitting or welding. It is formed by fixing the lid portion 22 to the lid.

  The moisture collection filter element 10B is formed as an aggregate of fibers 14 having hydrophilicity similar to that of the moisture collection filter element 10, and has an average pore diameter through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass. Thus, by increasing the average pore diameter D, the moisture collection filter element 10B is prevented from collecting solid foreign matters, and by increasing the length L of the flow path 11B, the moisture collection filter element 10B is Water particles can be collected. By making the flow path 11B meander by the forming member 25B, the length L of the flow path 11B is made longer than the linear distance from the inflow portion 12B to the outflow portion 13B. That is, the length L of the flow path 11B necessary for collecting water particles is ensured without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10B by meandering the flow path 11B with the forming member 25B.

  In the third embodiment, the forming member 25B that forms the flow path 11B is provided in the moisture collecting filter element 10B as the flow path 11B having a meandering shape (one type of folded shape) from the inflow portion 12B to the outflow portion 13B. It is arranged. For this reason, since it becomes possible to lengthen the length L of the flow path 11B without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10B, the moisture collection filter element 10B can be formed without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10B. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water collecting ability while extending the life.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the moisture collector 1C includes a moisture collection filter element 10C and a forming member 25C, and the moisture collection filter element 10C and the formation member 25C are cylindrical. The container 20C is housed. The container 20 </ b> C includes a bottomed cylindrical container portion 21 </ b> C formed of resin or the like and a lid portion 22 instead of the container portion 21.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a cylindrical portion 23C and a forming member 25C instead of the forming member 25 are formed integrally with the container portion 21C. The forming member 25C is provided between the outer peripheral side surface 28 of the container portion 21C and the cylindrical portion 23C, and includes four plate members extending in the radial direction and eight plate members extending in the circumferential direction. The four plate-like members extending in the radial direction connect the outer peripheral side surface 28 and the cylindrical portion 23 </ b> C, whereby the moisture collection filter element 10 </ b> C is partitioned into four sections. In each section, one of the two plate-like members extending in the circumferential direction is connected to only one of the two plate-like members extending in the radial direction, and the other of the two plate-like members extending in the circumferential direction is The two plate-like members extending in the radial direction are connected only to the other, and the two plate-like members extending in the circumferential direction are arranged in the radial direction. Thereby, one flow path 11C is formed in each section.

  In this way, the forming member 25C is arranged in the moisture collecting filter element 10C, and each of the four flow paths 11C passes through the four inflows in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (substantially vertical direction) of the case 3. From the portion 12C to the four outflow portions 13C, a flow path 11C having a meandering shape (one type of folded shape) is formed instead of the flow path 11.

  In other words, the forming member 25C blocks the flow of the fuel at the shortest distance connecting the inflow portion 12C and the outflow portion 13C (the flow of fuel connecting the inflow portion 12C and the outflow portion 13C with a straight line) and shortens the flow path 11C. It can be said that the flow path 11C is longer than the distance (straight line distance). These four flow paths 11C are provided in the moisture collection filter element 10C so that the lengths of the flow paths 11C are equal to each other. In the cylindrical portion 23C on the central axis side of the container portion 21C, an inlet 26C is provided at the position of the inflow portion 12C, and an outlet 27C is provided at the position of the outflow portion 13C on the outer peripheral side surface 28 of the container portion 21C.

  The inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 23C functions as a passage space 24C that flows into the opening 41 and guides fuel that has passed through the passage space 51 and the opening 221 to the moisture collecting filter element 10C side.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the moisture collector 1 </ b> C is filled with the moisture collection filter element 10 </ b> C so as to fill the space between the forming members 25 </ b> C in the container portion 21 </ b> C, and then is fitted or welded. It is formed by fixing the lid portion 22 to the lid.

  The moisture collecting filter element 10C is formed as an aggregate of fibers 14 having hydrophilicity similar to that of the moisture collecting filter element 10, and has an average pore diameter D through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass. In this way, by increasing the average pore diameter D, the moisture collection filter element 10C is prevented from collecting solid foreign matters, and by increasing the length L of the flow path 11C, the moisture collection filter element 10C is Water particles can be collected. By making the flow path 11C meander through the forming member 25C, the length L of the flow path 11C is made longer than the linear distance from the inflow portion 12C to the outflow portion 13C. That is, the length L of the flow path 11C necessary for collecting the water particles is ensured without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10C by meandering the flow path 11C with the forming member 25C.

  In the fourth embodiment, the forming member 25C forming the flow path 11C is provided in the moisture collecting filter element 10C as the flow path 11C having a meandering shape (one type of folded shape) from the inflow portion 12C to the outflow portion 13C. It is arranged. For this reason, since it becomes possible to lengthen the length L of the flow path 11C without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10C, the moisture collection filter element 10C can be formed without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10C. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water collecting ability while extending the life.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the moisture collector 1D includes a moisture collection filter element 10D and a forming member 25D, and the moisture collection filter element 10D and the formation member 25D have a cylindrical shape. Of the container 20D. The container 20 </ b> D includes a bottomed cylindrical container part 21 </ b> D formed of resin or the like and a lid part 22 instead of the container part 21.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a cylindrical portion 23D and a forming member 25D instead of the forming member 25 are formed integrally with the container portion 21D, and the forming member 25D is connected to the outer peripheral side surface 28 of the container portion 21D. 24 plate-like members provided between the cylindrical portions 23D. The forming member 25D is a combination of the forming members 25B and 25C. That is, of the 24 plate-like members, four plate-like members connect the outer peripheral side surface 28 and the cylindrical portion 23D, whereby the moisture collection filter element 10D is partitioned into four sections. . In each section, a plate-like member connected only to the outer peripheral side surface 28 and a plate-like member connected only to the cylindrical portion 23B are arranged in the circumferential direction and each one of the three plate-like members extending in the circumferential direction Only the edge part of is connected to the plate-like member extending in the radial direction. Thereby, one flow path 11D is formed in each section.

  In this way, the forming member 25D is arranged in the moisture collecting filter element 10D, and each of the four flow paths 11D passes through four inflows in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (substantially vertical direction) of the case 3. From the portion 12D to the four outflow portions 13D, a meandering shape (one type of folded shape) of the flow passage 11D is formed instead of the flow passage 11.

  That is, the forming member 25D blocks the flow of the fuel at the shortest distance connecting the inflow portion 12D and the outflow portion 13D (the flow of fuel connecting the inflow portion 12D and the outflow portion 13D with a straight line), thereby shortening the flow path 11D. It can be said that the flow path 11D is longer than the distance (straight line distance). These four flow paths 11D are provided in the moisture collection filter element 10D so that the lengths of the flow paths 11D are equal to each other. In the cylindrical part 23D on the central axis side of the container part 21D, an inlet 26D is provided at the position of the inflow part 12D, and an outlet 27D is provided at the position of the outflow part 13D on the outer peripheral side surface 28.

  The inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 23D functions as a passage space 24D that flows into the opening 41 and guides the fuel that has passed through the passage space 51 and the opening 221 to the moisture collection filter element 10D side.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the moisture collector 1 </ b> D has a container portion 21 </ b> D that is packed or welded after filling the moisture collection filter element 10 </ b> D so as to fill the space between the forming members 25 </ b> D in the container portion 21 </ b> D. It is formed by fixing the lid portion 22 to the lid.

  The moisture collecting filter element 10D is formed as an aggregate of hydrophilic fibers 14 similar to the moisture collecting filter element 10, and has an average pore diameter D through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass. In this way, by increasing the average pore diameter D, the moisture collection filter element 10D is prevented from collecting solid foreign matters, and by increasing the length L of the flow path 11D, the moisture collection filter element 10D is Water particles can be collected. By making the flow path 11D meander through the forming member 25D, the length L of the flow path 11D is made longer than the linear distance from the inflow portion 12D to the outflow portion 13D. That is, the length L of the flow path 11D necessary for collecting water particles is ensured without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10D by meandering the flow path 11D with the forming member 25D.

  In the fifth embodiment, the forming member 25D forming the flow path 11D is disposed in the moisture collecting filter element 10D as the flow path 11D having a meandering shape (a kind of folded shape) from the inflow portion 12D to the outflow portion 13D. is doing. For this reason, since it becomes possible to lengthen the length L of the flow path 11D without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10D, the moisture collection filter element 10D can be formed without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10D. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water collecting ability while extending the life.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the moisture collector 1E includes a moisture collection filter element 10E and a forming member 25E, and the moisture collection filter element 10E and the formation member 25E are cylindrical. In the container 20E. The container 20 </ b> E includes a bottomed cylindrical container portion 21 </ b> E formed of resin or the like and a lid portion 22 instead of the container portion 21.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a forming member 25E is formed integrally with the container portion 21E instead of the forming member 25, and the forming member 25E is located between the outer peripheral side surface 28 and the central axis side of the container portion 21E. Four curved and plate-shaped members provided. The forming member 25E is disposed in the moisture collecting filter element 10E, and the four flow paths 11E are arranged in the four inflow portions 12E through 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (substantially vertical direction) of the case 3, respectively. Up to the individual outflow portions 13E, a curved channel 11E is formed instead of the channel 11. Further, it can be said that the four flow paths 11E are combined to form a spiral flow path 11E.

  In other words, the forming member 25E blocks the flow of the fuel with the shortest distance connecting the inflow portion 12E and the outflow portion 13E (the flow of fuel connecting the inflow portion 12E and the outflow portion 13E with a straight line) and shortens the flow path 11E. It can be said that the flow path 11E is longer than the distance (straight line distance). These four flow paths 11E are provided in the moisture collection filter element 10E so that the lengths of the flow paths 11E are equal to each other. On the central axis side of the container portion 21E, an inlet 26E is provided at the position of the inflow portion 12E, and on the outer peripheral side surface 28 of the container portion 21E, an outlet 27E is provided at the position of the outflow portion 13E.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the moisture collector 1E is filled with the moisture collection filter element 10E so as to fill the space between the forming members 25E in the container portion 21E, and then is fitted or welded. It is formed by fixing the lid portion 22 to the lid.

  The moisture collection filter element 10E is formed as an aggregate of fibers 14 having hydrophilicity similar to that of the moisture collection filter element 10, and has an average pore diameter D through which solid foreign matters in the fuel can pass. Thus, by increasing the average pore diameter D, the moisture collection filter element 10E is prevented from collecting solid foreign matters, and by increasing the length L of the flow path 11E, the moisture collection filter element 10E is Allow water particles to be collected. By making the flow path 11E meander through the forming member 25E, the length L of the flow path 11E is made longer than the linear distance from the inflow portion 12E to the outflow portion 13E. That is, the length L of the flow path 11E necessary for collecting water particles is secured without making the water collection filter element 10E large by making the flow path 11E curved with the forming member 25E. .

  In the sixth embodiment, a forming member 25E that forms the flow path 11E is arranged in the moisture collection filter element 10E as the curved flow path 11E from the inflow part 12E to the outflow part 13E. For this reason, since it becomes possible to lengthen the length of the flow path 11E without enlarging the moisture collection filter element 10E, without increasing the moisture collection filter element 10E, the moisture collection filter element 10E It is possible to suppress a decrease in water collecting ability while extending the life.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inflow portion 12 (12A to 12E) is provided on the central axis side of the moisture collection filter element 10 (10A to 10E), and the outflow portion 13 (13A to 13E) is provided to the moisture collection filter element. 10 (10A to 10E) provided on the outer peripheral side surface 15 (15A to 15E), but is not limited thereto. The inflow portion 12 (12A to 12E) is provided on the outer peripheral side surface 15 (15A to 15E) of the moisture collection filter element 10 (10A to 10E), and the outflow portion 13 (13A to 13E) is provided to the moisture collection filter element 10 (10A). 10E) on the central axis side. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the four flow paths 11 (11A to 11E) are used, but one flow path, two flow paths, three flow paths, or five or more flow paths are used. Is possible. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Moreover, although the flow paths 11 and 11A are flow paths having a shape that is folded twice, it is also possible to make the flow paths have a shape that is folded once or three times or more. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  It should be noted that not only the combination of the parts explicitly indicating that the combination is possible in the above-described embodiment, but also the part of the above-described embodiment even if it is not clearly described unless there is a problem with the combination. It is also possible to combine them.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Fuel filter apparatus, 1, 1A-1E Moisture collector 10, 10A-10E Moisture collection filter element 101, 101A 1st filter element (1st element), 1011 Through-hole 102, 102A 2nd filter element (1st Element, second element)
1021 Through-hole, 1022 Convex part 103, 103A Third filter element (second element), 1031 Concave part 11, 11A-11E Flow path, 12, 12A-12E Inflow part 13, 13A-13E Outflow part, 14 Fiber, 15, 15A to 15E Outer peripheral side surface 20, 20A to 20E Container, 21, 21A to 21E Container portion, 211 Support portion 22 Lid portion, 221 Open portion, 23B to 23D Cylindrical portion, 24B to 24D Passage space 25, 25A to 25E Forming member , 251, 251 A first forming member 252, 252 A second forming member, 253 third forming member 26, 26 A to 26 E inlet, 27, 27 A to 27 E outlet, 28 outer peripheral side surface 3 case, 31 bottom part, 32 water storage space, 4 Cover, 41, 42 Opening 5 Cylinder, 51 passage space, 6 Foreign matter collecting filter element

Claims (8)

A moisture collection filter element comprising a collection of hydrophilic fibers and collecting water particles in the fuel, the moisture collection filter element having an average pore diameter through which solid foreign matter in the fuel can pass, and
A forming member disposed in the moisture collection filter element and forming a flow path through which the fuel passes in the moisture collection filter element;
The forming member is configured to connect, in a straight line, an inflow portion where the fuel flows into the flow path in the moisture collection filter element and an outflow portion where the fuel flows out of the flow path in the moisture collection filter element. The water collector is characterized in that the flow path is formed as a flow path longer than the linear distance.   2. The moisture collector according to claim 1, wherein the forming member forms the plurality of flow paths so that the lengths of the plurality of flow paths are equal to each other. .   The moisture collector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forming member forms the flow path as a folded flow path in which the flow of the fuel changes in the opposite direction at least once. The moisture collection filter element is a folded portion where the flow of the fuel changes in the opposite direction, and is divided into a first element and a second element,
The moisture collector according to claim 3, wherein the forming member is interposed between the first element and the second element.   The moisture collector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forming member forms the flow path as a curved flow path. The moisture collection filter element has a cylindrical shape,
The inflow part is provided on one of the outer peripheral side surface of the moisture collection filter element and the central axis side of the moisture collection filter element,
The moisture collector according to claim 2, wherein the outflow portion is provided on the other side of the outer peripheral side surface and the central axis side. The moisture collector according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A fuel filtration device comprising a foreign matter collecting filter element provided downstream of the moisture collector in the fuel flow direction and collecting the solid foreign matter in the fuel.   The fuel filter according to claim 7, wherein the moisture collector is disposed below the foreign matter collecting filter element in the direction of gravity.

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